PARIS — Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa stated today that while Cambodia has the right to bring its border dispute with Thailand to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Thailand equally reserves the right to determine its own stance on the matter. He stressed that the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC) remains the proper mechanism for resolving the issue peacefully and called on the Cambodian side to expedite a JBC meeting — offering Thailand as a willing host if Phnom Penh is not ready.
Speaking to the media during his visit to Paris, where he will attend the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Ministerial Council Meeting on June 3, Maris said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been closely monitoring developments regarding the Thai-Cambodian border, particularly the dispute involving the area around the Emerald Triangle and three temples: Ta Muen Thom, Ta Muen Tot, and Ta Kwai.
Maris has instructed the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs to convene a meeting of all relevant departments to unify Thailand’s official position. He reiterated that Thailand’s core policy is to resolve disputes through peaceful means and to avoid escalating tensions. The minister also emphasized the importance of preserving close bilateral relations between Thailand and Cambodia through dialogue and mutual respect.
To prepare for any negotiations, Maris directed officials to gather legal documents, photographic evidence, and other relevant materials to support Thailand’s case within the framework of the JBC. He reaffirmed that the JBC remains the most appropriate venue to ease tensions and work toward a mutually agreed border demarcation.
Thailand has already reached out to Cambodia to request the scheduling of a JBC meeting. If Cambodia is not ready, Maris said Thailand is prepared to host the meeting unilaterally to move the process forward.
Maris also revealed that Thailand has lodged an official protest with Cambodia over an incident that took place in the disputed border area on May 28, reaffirming Thailand’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with international law.
He noted that upon returning to Thailand on June 5, he will convene a high-level meeting at the Foreign Ministry to finalize Thailand’s strategic response. In the meantime, he has been conducting regular online briefings with ministry officials to remain updated on developments and ensure policy readiness.
Regarding Cambodia’s intention to take the dispute to the ICJ, Maris said: “It is Cambodia’s right to do so, but Thailand equally has the right to respond based on our own national interest and legal strategy. We are pursuing a clear, well-coordinated approach, grounded in international norms and diplomatic mechanisms.”
